What is commotio cordis? Cardiology Basics

Sometimes a player drops down dead after being accidentally hit by a ball or another player. This situation which can occur in any contact sports is known as commotio cordis. The sudden impact on the chest causes cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation.
The intensity of the blow is not sufficient to cause any damage to the chest wall. No structural damage is noted in the heart as well. If there is a contusion of the heart, it will be called contusio cordis. Contusio cordis is associated with damage to the chest wall as well.